Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, causing thousands of cancer deaths each year. Radon is colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas that enters buildings through cracks and holes in its foundation, and cannot be identified or predicted without testing.
The EPA recommends every home and school be tested for radon. There are a variety of options for conducting radon testing. Additional
details will be provided in the future via this webpage and the IAQTC newsletter and list-serve. We are also offering a
webinar on Radon Testing and Mitigation on
February 27, 2013 at 2:00 pm MST.

IAQ Podcast Series – NEW Radon podcast will be released next month, March 2013!

Why test?
Testing homes and schools for radon is the only way of determining the potential for indoor exposure to radon. By testing for radon in
the home, residents can be evaluate whether the air they are breathing is healthy, or whether radon mitigation is required to ensure
the safety of inhabitants.

How can I test my home or school? What options are available?
There are many radon testing options and different types of testing kits that you can acquire. Radon testing equipment is generally
subdivided into two categories: active and passive devices. Active devices, like continuous air monitors, require power to function.
Passive devices, including electret ion chambers (commonly referred to as E-Perm), and charcoal canisters, do not require power to
function.

Is there a radon testing certification program available?
Yes. There are two national certifying boards, the National Environmental Health Association and the National Radon Safety Board. Many
different organizations offer preparation for radon professional certification exams, namely online and in-person training courses.

American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), National Radon Proficiency Programhttp://nrpp.info/

Technical Assistance from ITEP:
If the information provided above does not answer all of your questions, or if you would like additional support with your radon testing
efforts, ITEP staff are available to help. The ITEP IAQTC staff can assist you throughout the process, including education and outreach
in your community. Below is a link to ITEP's assistance request form. Please fill out and submit the form if you require technical
support for radon testing in your community.Request Assistance with Radon Testing

Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP) for Radon Testing
A Quality Assurance Project Plan documents the planning, implementation, and assessment procedures for a particular project, as well as any
specific quality assurance and quality control activities. It integrates all the technical and quality aspects of the project in order to
provide a "blueprint" for obtaining the type and quality of environmental data and information needed for a specific decision
or use.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Kansas Radon, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)
"All radon measurement technicians and laboratories certified in Kansas are required to develop, operate by, and maintain a Quality
Assurance Plan (QAP). This plan MUST be submitted as part of the certification renewal application, and must include copies of any
calibration certificates for instruments used for radon measurement. Attached below is a checklist which includes all components which should
be part of a QAP, and an optional template which can be used to develop a QAP. Also attached below is the EPA Guidance on Quality
Assurance."www.kdheks.gov/radiation/radon.htm#qap

Native Voices Calling – Radon and Indoor Air Quality, January 12, 2012
"This month is radon awareness month. According to those in the field, radon - a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring
radioactive gas found in homes - is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers.
Does your tribe have a radon testing program? What measures is your tribe taking to keep your air quality at a healthy level? What
else are you breathing inside your home and workplace? Guests include Vivian Craig (Navajo) Environmental Specialist/Navajo Radon
Program, Twa-le Abrahamson (Spokane /Colville/Coeur d'Alene/Navajo) Air Quality Coordinator/Spokane Tribe, and Mansel Nelson, Senior
Program Coordinator/ Northern Arizona University's Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals."www.nativeamericacalling.com/nac_past2012.shtml

US Environmental Protection Agency – Where you Live, Radon
"Find local information related to radon, including your state radon program, with contact information, EPA Regional contacts,
the EPA Map of Radon Zones (including full size state maps), National Radon Action Month Events, and the Directory of Builders Using
Radon-Resistant New Construction."www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html

Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades (EPA 402/K-11/003)
"Millions of American homes will be retrofitted in the coming years to improve their energy efficiency, make them more
"green" or add features their owners want. Integrated healthy home and energy-efficiency retrofit activities can simultaneously
lower utility costs and improve indoor air quality."www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/epa_retrofit_protocols.pdf